to our eyes the avenue of a damp arched vault, from which a stone staircase led to that part of the fabric which faced the cellar door.
Without stopping there, we pursued our way to the large folding door leading to the great hall under ground, but found it strongly bolted on the inside, and all our hopes of farther discovery were blasted at once. We made the utmost efforts to disengage the massy door from its rusty hinges, but all our labour was lost, its strength proved superior to our united endeavours of forcing it.
While we were standing before that door, consulting whether we should go back or not, we heard suddenly a distant noise, as if a lock was opening, and soon after a folding door seemed to fly open, with an hideous creaking, which instantly was followed by a terrible noise of numerous steps, as if people in boots were descending: When the noise drew nearer we could distinguish the clattering of many spurs, and the harsh voices of men;the
